Beyond the Quadratic Formula

The quadratic formula, discovered independently by many ancient scholars, is a familiar sight to anyone who has studied mathematics.

Less well known are formulas for the solutions of cubic and quartic equations whose discoveries were among the high points of sixteenth-century mathematics.

Their study forms the heart of this book, as part of the broader theme that a polynomial's coefficients can be used to obtain detailed information on its roots.

A closing chapter offers glimpses into the theory of higher-degree polynomials, concluding with a proof of the fundamental theorem of algebra.

The book is designed for self-study, with exercises and historical notes provided throughout.

It is ideal for high school students eager to go beyond the standard curriculum, undergraduates who desire an in-depth look at a topic they may have unwittingly skipped over, or teachers looking for ways to enhance their presentation of this fascinating topic.